Carnations Add Color to Gardens
- By Marcia Kauffman Victoria County Master Gardener
- Jan 6, 2024
Dianthus in a border – Contributed Photo by John Fossati
Colorful purple and white dianthus – Contributed Photo by John Fossati
Firewitch is low-growing and drought tolerant. – Contributed photo by John Fossati
This time of year I like to walk around my yard thinking about what plants I would like to change. Perhaps I need to replace some damaged plants or just want to change the color palate. One way to add color is by adding different colors of dianthus or carnations.
Interestingly, dianthus or carnations are the “flower of the month for January.” This article is the first in the master gardeners’ 2024 Gardeners’ Dirt series on popular flowers for each month.
Dianthus were cultivated by the Greeks as long as 2,000 years ago. The name dianthus was derived from a Greek translation meaning divine flower. This lovely pink, purple, red or white flower with ruffled edges, often referred to as pinks, was once used in ceremonial crowns. The flower itself symbolizes captivation, distinction or motherly love.
Carnations or Dianthus caryphyllus is a herbaceous perennial. It can be grown in well drained alkaline soil either in a partly shady or sunny location depending on intensity of sun. The good news is that Dianthus is drought tolerant and deer and even rabbit resistant. They also attract butterflies and bees.
The different varieties grow to different heights. A couple of examples are the 10-inch fruit punch variety or the 24-inch sweet William. Then there is the maiden pinks that are great as a ground cover that spreads to 24 inches.
This plant is a very light feeder and if planted in the ground doesn’t require fertilizer. If in a pot, a light dusting of fertilizer will suffice. These plants make a great addition to a border, rock garden or container.
The easiest way to propagate carnations is the basic method of sowing seeds. This time of year, it is best to start them in a container inside. Sow the seeds to 1/8 inch deep, cover lightly with soil. Next water thoroughly but do not drown them. When all danger of frost has passed, you can then plant your new sprouts in the soil.
When you already have dianthus in the garden and you want more, simply let the spent flowers seed in the garden to create more flowers.
Root division is another method used to propagate this flower. You loosen the soil around the roots with a spade. Next you gently pull a clump of flowers from the ground being very careful not to damage the roots. You then divide the larger clump into smaller sections to then plant into the ground. Secure the smaller clump into the ground by tamping down the soil around it, then water lightly.
You can also grow new plants from plant cuttings in early spring. When you choose your cutting, choose a small one. Then the cutting will not be stressed while growing new roots.
The directions state to cut just below a set of leaf nodes. Remove leaves still on the lower part of the stem. You do not want the cutting to use its energy to keep those leaves alive but rather use the energy to go into growing new roots. Now you will push that stem into the soil of a 4 to 6 inch pot with finely textured soil. Once again water lightly.
The flower petals are edible and not poisonous. They can be used as garnishes or in baking. They have a sweet flavor that is mildly peppery and tangy. However, do not consume the leaves and stems because they may cause irritation to skin or stomach.
Away from the garden, carnations are delightful in corsages because they can endure for a long time without water. The blooms can be dyed for the occasion. I can see my Aunt Annie Laurie sitting next to Uncle Mike in their car in Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. She had a green carnation corsage to match her green hair. That was a sight and a great memory.
The Gardeners’ Dirt is written by members of the Victoria County Master Gardener Association, an educational outreach of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Victoria County. Mail your questions in care of the Advocate, P.O. Box 1518, Victoria, TX 77901; or vcmga@vicad.com, or comment on this column at VictoriaAdvocate.com.
Companion Plants
- Geraniums
- Red hot poker
- Sage
- Verbena
Uses of Dianthus
- Rock gardens
- Borders
- Containers
References
Plant Addicts: Propagating Dianthus: https://plantaddicts.com/propagating-dianthus
Better Homes and Gardens: How to Plant Dianthus
The Spruce: Carnations: Plant Care and Growing Guide
Save the Date
What: You are invited to Meet and Greet with Master Gardeners
When: From 10 a.m. to noon Saturday
Where: Victoria Educational Gardens Pavilion, 283 Bachelors Drive